Top 10 Bottlebrushes for Screening Plants on the Sunshine Coast and South east Queensland

Top 10 Bottlebrushes for Screening Plants on the Sunshine Coast and South east Queensland

If you’re looking for a hardy, bird-friendly, and fast-growing plant to create privacy or define your boundary, Callistemon (bottlebrush) is one of the best choices for South east Queensland and Sunshine Coast gardens. With their dense foliage and colourful, nectar-rich flowers, they make perfect hedges, screens, or windbreaks. Here are our Top 10 Bottlebrushes for Screening.

1. Callistemon ‘Wildfire’

A tall, upright grower with masses of bright red bottlebrush flowers. Perfect for larger screens or windbreaks, reaching up to 3m. Tough and bird-friendly.

2. Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’

Features vibrant pink new foliage and dense green growth. Grows to approx. 2–2.5m tall, perfect for colourful, dense hedging or screening.

3. Callistemon ‘Endeavour’

A popular choice for classic red flowering bottlebrush hedges. Grows 2–3m tall with a tidy, upright shape and is highly bird-attracting.

4. Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’

One of the tallest varieties, growing 3–4m with large red flowers. Ideal for creating an impressive tall screen or windbreak.

5. Callistemon ‘Hannah Ray’

A graceful, weeping variety with soft green foliage and bright red flowers. Grows 3–5m tall, perfect for informal hedges or boundary screens.

6. Callistemon ‘Prolific’

True to its name, this variety produces masses of bright red flowers and has a bushy, upright form. Grows 2–3m tall and makes an excellent flowering hedge.

7. Callistemon ‘Slim’

A narrow, upright bottlebrush ideal for tight spaces or along fences. Grows 2–3m tall but stays around 1m wide, making it perfect for narrow screens.

8. Callistemon ‘Matthew Flinders’

A dwarf, compact bottlebrush ideal for low screening or hedging. Grows to around 70cm high but is included here as a great option for low boundary planting.

9. Callistemon ‘Purple Splendour’

Produces deep reddish-purple flowers and forms a dense medium-sized shrub. Grows 2–3m tall, adding colour and structure to the garden.

10. Callistemon ‘Reeves Pink’

Features soft pink bottlebrush flowers and compact growth. Grows 1.5–2m tall, ideal for soft-coloured screening or mixed native hedging.

Find the Right Native Screening Plant at Garden Centre Sunshine Coast

We stock a wide range of Callistemon varieties perfect for screening, hedging, and attracting native wildlife. Visit us in-store or shop online at Garden Centre Sunshine Coast to find the perfect plant for your garden.

Callistemon ‘Wildfire’

Callistemon ‘Wildfire’

Description:Callistemon ‘Wildfire’ is a striking, medium-sized bottlebrush known for its intense red flowers and soft green foliage. A fast-growing and hardy Australian native, it’s perfect for hedging, screening, or as a standout feature shrub. Flowering mainly in spring and summer, ‘Wildfire’ adds vibrant colour to the garden while attracting birds and pollinators. Flowers:Bright red, bottlebrush-style flower spikes bloom prolifically in spring and summer, with occasional spot flowering. The vivid blooms are rich in nectar, making them highly attractive to birds, bees, and butterflies. Foliage:Soft, narrow green leaves provide a lush, evergreen backdrop to the flowers. New growth may show a bronze tint, adding seasonal interest. Fruit:Woody seed capsules typically form along the stems after flowering and may persist for extended periods. Form & Size:Upright, bushy shrub growing approximately 2.5–3m high and 2–2.5m wide. Growing Conditions: Position: Prefers full sun for best flowering performance. Soil: Tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy and clay types. Climate: Suited to most Australian climates, including coastal areas and light frost zones. Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Uses: Excellent for screening, hedging, or as a feature plant. Suitable for native and wildlife-friendly gardens. Works well in large pots or as a background plant in mixed beds. Maintenance: Low-maintenance and easy to grow. Light pruning after flowering encourages dense growth and more blooms. Feed with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring. Notes: Bird and pollinator-friendly. Tolerates wind, dry conditions, and coastal exposure. Ideal for both formal and informal native plantings. Companion Plants:Pairs well with Grevillea, Lomandra, Westringia, and other native shrubs for a resilient, colourful garden. Common Name: Wildfire BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon ‘Wildfire’Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia (cultivar)

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Callistemon Great Balls fire TC

Callistemon Great Balls fire TC

Description:Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’ TC is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its striking pink-red new growth and dense, fine foliage. This non-flowering variety is perfect for hedging, borders, and container planting, providing year-round color and texture in the landscape. Flowers:Non-flowering variety. Foliage:Dense, fine, bright green foliage with vivid pink-red new growth, creating a striking contrast. Fruit:Does not produce fruit or seed capsules. Form & Size:Compact, rounded shrub growing approximately 1–1.5m high and 1m wide. Growing Conditions: Position: Prefers full sun to part shade. Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including sandy and clay soils. Climate: Tolerates a wide range of Australian conditions, including coastal areas and light frost. Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering. Uses: Ideal for low hedging, borders, and mass planting. Excellent for topiary, rockeries, and feature planting. Suited to formal and native garden designs. Maintenance: Low-maintenance and easy to grow. Prune lightly to maintain a compact shape and encourage vibrant new growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring for healthy foliage. Notes: Drought and frost-tolerant. Provides year-round color without flowering. Companion Plants:Complements Westringia, Lomandra, and Grevillea for a water-wise, low-maintenance garden. Common Name: Great Balls of Fire BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’ TCFamily: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia

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Callistemon Endeavour

Callistemon Endeavour

Description:Callistemon ‘Endeavour’ is a fast-growing, upright bottlebrush with striking red flowers and dense green foliage. This hardy Australian native is ideal for screening, hedging, and attracting birds. It thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardens and streetscapes. Flowers:Brilliant red bottlebrush flowers appear in spring and summer, with sporadic blooms throughout the year. Nectar-rich, attracting bees, butterflies, and native birds. Foliage:Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that provide year-round interest and a lush appearance. Fruit:Woody seed capsules follow flowering, remaining on the plant for extended periods. Form & Size:Upright, bushy shrub reaching approximately 3–4m high and 2–3m wide. Growing Conditions: Position: Prefers full sun to part shade. Soil: Adaptable to most soil types, including sandy, clay, and well-drained soils. Climate: Tolerates a wide range of Australian conditions, including coastal areas and light frost. Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering in dry periods. Uses: Ideal for screening, windbreaks, and hedging. Excellent for native gardens and large landscape plantings. Suitable for erosion control on banks and slopes. Maintenance: Low-maintenance and hardy. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. Apply a slow-release native fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth. Notes: Bird and pollinator-friendly. Tolerates coastal exposure, light frost, and moderate drought. Companion Plants:Pairs well with Grevillea, Westringia, and Lomandra for a balanced native garden. Common Name: Endeavour BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon ‘Endeavour’Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia

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Callistemon Kings Park Special

Callistemon Kings Park Special

Description:Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’ is a vigorous, large bottlebrush renowned for its spectacular bright red flowers and dense green foliage. This hardy and fast-growing Australian native shrub is ideal for screening, hedging, and windbreaks, thriving in a wide range of conditions and providing a brilliant display of colour in spring and summer. Flowers:Large, vibrant red bottlebrush flowers appear in profusion from spring to summer, with sporadic flowering at other times. The nectar-rich blooms attract birds, bees, and other pollinators. Foliage:Narrow, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves form a dense and bushy canopy, offering year-round greenery. Fruit:Woody seed capsules develop after flowering and persist on the plant for extended interest. Form & Size:Large, upright shrub growing approximately 3–5m high and 2.5–4m wide. Growing Conditions: Position: Best grown in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Climate: Suited to various Australian conditions, including coastal areas and light frost. Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering, especially during prolonged dry periods. Uses: Excellent for screening, windbreaks, and large hedges. Ideal as a feature shrub in native gardens and public landscapes. Provides habitat and nectar for birds and beneficial insects. Maintenance: Low-maintenance and easy to grow. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape and promote more blooms. Apply a slow-release native fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Notes: Bird and pollinator-friendly. Tolerates coastal exposure, drought, and light frost. Companion Plants:Pairs well with Grevillea, Melaleuca, and Lomandra for a robust, water-wise native garden. Common Name: Kings Park Special BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia

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Callistemon Hannah Ray

Callistemon Hannah Ray

Description:Callistemon ‘Hannah Ray’ is a graceful, weeping bottlebrush cultivar admired for its arching branches, bright red flowers, and soft, lush foliage. This medium to large shrub or small tree is ideal for screening, feature planting, or use as a specimen tree in native or mixed garden styles. ‘Hannah Ray’ is hardy, low-maintenance, and thrives in a wide range of Australian climates. Flowers:Vivid red bottlebrush flowers bloom in abundance during spring and summer, with spot flowering at other times. Rich in nectar, the blooms attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Foliage:Soft, narrow green leaves with a slightly weeping appearance. New growth is often tinged with bronze, adding seasonal contrast. Fruit:Woody seed capsules form after flowering and may persist on the plant, adding textural interest. Form & Size:Weeping shrub or small tree, typically growing 3–5m high and 2.5–4m wide. Can be pruned to maintain as a shrub or trained into a small tree form. Growing Conditions: Position: Prefers full sun but tolerates part shade. Soil: Grows in most well-drained soils, including clay and sandy loam. Climate: Suited to coastal, subtropical, and temperate climates. Tolerates light frost and drought once established. Watering: Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Uses: Ideal for screening, windbreaks, and informal hedging. Perfect as a feature tree or specimen plant in larger gardens. Suitable for attracting wildlife and providing habitat in native landscapes. Maintenance: Low-maintenance and adaptable. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Fertilise in spring with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser to support health and flowering. Notes: Excellent for erosion control on slopes or banks due to its spreading root system. Provides valuable habitat and nectar for native wildlife. Responds well to shaping and can be grown as a standard or screen. Companion Plants:Combines beautifully with Grevillea, Lomandra, Melaleuca, and Leptospermum for a layered native planting scheme. Common Name: Hannah Ray BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon viminalis ‘Hannah Ray’Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia (cultivar)

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Callistemon viminalis Prolific

Callistemon viminalis Prolific

Description:Callistemon viminalis 'Prolific' is a dense, evergreen shrub or small tree, admired for its profusion of bright red bottlebrush flowers and graceful, weeping branches. This Australian native is highly versatile, being both hardy and adaptable, and is ideal for use as a feature plant, hedge, or screen. Its long flowering period and attractive foliage make it a standout addition to any garden, particularly for those looking to attract wildlife, as it is a magnet for nectar-feeding birds and pollinators. Flowers:As the name suggests, Callistemon viminalis 'Prolific' produces an abundance of vibrant red bottlebrush flowers, which appear primarily in spring and summer. These striking blooms are rich in nectar and attract a wide range of pollinators, including birds, bees, and butterflies. The bright red flowers contrast beautifully with the green foliage, creating a bold display in the landscape. Foliage:The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are dark green and remain evergreen throughout the year. The fine-textured foliage complements the bright flowers, and the weeping branches give the plant an elegant, cascading appearance. The dense growth habit of the foliage makes it an excellent choice for screening or hedging. Fruit:Small, woody seed capsules form along the branches after flowering, persisting on the plant for some time. While they add subtle texture, the flowers and foliage are the main ornamental features. Form and Size:Callistemon viminalis 'Prolific' typically grows to 3-5 meters in height and 2-3 meters in width, forming a dense, rounded canopy. Its weeping branches give it a soft, graceful appearance, making it an ideal choice for feature planting or as a focal point in the garden. Growing Conditions:Thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, but it is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Prolific is drought-tolerant once established and can handle light frosts. It also performs well in coastal gardens, tolerating salt-laden winds. Regular mulching around the base will help retain moisture and support healthy growth. Uses:Callistemon viminalis 'Prolific' is ideal for use as a feature plant, screen, or hedge. Its profuse flowering and dense foliage make it perfect for attracting wildlife, particularly birds and pollinators. It works well in native garden settings, as well as in more formal landscapes. Its adaptability to various conditions makes it suitable for coastal gardens and water-wise landscapes. Maintenance:Low-maintenance and tough, Callistemon viminalis 'Prolific' requires little care once established. Light pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth. Water deeply during the establishment period, but once mature, the plant requires minimal supplemental watering. Fertilize with a slow-release, low-phosphorus fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. Notes:Callistemon viminalis 'Prolific' is highly regarded for its reliable flowering and ability to thrive in a range of growing conditions. Its bright red flowers and graceful, weeping form make it a favorite for gardeners looking to create a dramatic, yet low-maintenance, landscape. Companion Plants:Pairs well with other Australian natives like Grevillea, Leptospermum, and Westringia. The red flowers and weeping habit contrast beautifully with silver-leafed plants like Eremophila and ornamental grasses like Lomandra. Common Name: Prolific BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon viminalis 'Prolific'Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia

Regular price $17.00 AUD
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Callistemon viminalis 'Matthew Flinders 'PBR

Callistemon viminalis 'Matthew Flinders 'PBR

Description:Callistemon viminalis ‘Matthew Flinders’ PBR is a compact, low-growing bottlebrush renowned for its vibrant red flowers and dense, tidy habit. This dwarf Australian native is ideal for borders, low hedges, rockeries, and container planting. With its manageable size and long flowering season, it brings bold colour and bird-attracting benefits to gardens of all sizes. Flowers:Bright red bottlebrush flowers appear prolifically in spring and summer, with spot flowering at other times. Rich in nectar, the blooms attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Foliage:Fine, narrow green leaves form a dense, compact canopy, providing year-round greenery and soft texture. Fruit:Woody seed capsules may form after flowering and remain on the plant, typical of Callistemon species. Form & Size:Dwarf shrub growing approximately 50–70cm high and 80cm wide, forming a naturally rounded shape. Growing Conditions: Position: Thrives in full sun; tolerates part shade. Soil: Grows in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy and clay types. Climate: Suitable for most Australian climates including coastal areas and light frost zones. Watering: Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply during extended dry periods. Uses: Perfect for borders, rockeries, and low native hedges. Great in pots and containers. Excellent for attracting birds and pollinators to compact spaces. Maintenance: Very low-maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring to support flowering and health. Notes: Bird and pollinator-friendly. Compact size makes it suitable for small gardens and urban landscapes. Tolerates coastal exposure and dry conditions once established. Companion Plants:Pairs well with Lomandra, Dianella, Grevillea ‘Lady O’, and Westringia for a colourful, low-maintenance native planting palette. Common Name: Matthew Flinders BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon viminalis ‘Matthew Flinders’ PBRFamily: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia (cultivar)

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Callistemon Purple Splendour

Callistemon Purple Splendour

Description:Callistemon ‘Purple Splendour’ is a stunning, medium-sized bottlebrush featuring vibrant purple flowers and dense green foliage. This hardy, Australian native shrub is ideal for hedging, screening, and attracting wildlife. Its eye-catching blooms provide a spectacular display, making it a standout choice for gardens and streetscapes. Flowers:Striking purple bottlebrush flowers appear in spring and summer, with sporadic flowering throughout the year. Rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds. Foliage:Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that create a lush, dense appearance. New growth may have a reddish tinge. Fruit:Woody seed capsules follow flowering, persisting on the plant for an extended period. Form & Size:Upright, bushy shrub reaching approximately 2–3m high and 1.5–2.5m wide. Growing Conditions: Position: Prefers full sun to part shade. Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. Climate: Suits a variety of Australian conditions, including coastal areas and light frost. Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering. Uses: Ideal for screening, windbreaks, and hedging. Great for native gardens, mixed borders, and large containers. Provides habitat and food for birds and pollinators. Maintenance: Low-maintenance and easy to grow. Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Apply a slow-release native fertilizer in spring for optimal health. Notes: Bird and pollinator-friendly. Tolerates coastal exposure, light frost, and drought conditions. Companion Plants:Pairs well with Grevillea, Westringia, and Lomandra for a low-maintenance native garden. Common Name: Purple Splendour BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon ‘Purple Splendour’Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia

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Callistemon Reeves Pink

Callistemon Reeves Pink

Description:Callistemon ‘Reeves Pink’ is a hardy, medium-sized bottlebrush with soft pink flowers and dense green foliage. This Australian native shrub is perfect for hedging, screening, and attracting birds. Its vibrant blooms and compact growth make it an excellent choice for gardens and streetscapes. Flowers:Soft pink bottlebrush flowers bloom in spring and summer, with occasional flowering throughout the year. Rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and native birds. Foliage:Narrow, lance-shaped green leaves with a fine texture, providing year-round interest. Fruit:Small, woody seed capsules follow flowering, persisting on the plant. Form & Size:Upright, bushy shrub reaching approximately 2–3m high and 1.5–2.5m wide. Growing Conditions: Position: Prefers full sun to part shade. Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. Climate: Tolerates a range of Australian conditions, including coastal areas and light frost. Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering. Uses: Ideal for screening, windbreaks, and hedging. Great for native gardens, borders, and large containers. Attracts birds and pollinators, adding life to the garden. Maintenance: Low-maintenance and easy to grow. Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Apply a slow-release native fertilizer in spring for healthy growth. Notes: Bird and pollinator-friendly. Tolerates coastal exposure, light frost, and drought conditions. Companion Plants:Pairs well with Grevillea, Westringia, and Lomandra for a balanced, low-maintenance native garden. Common Name: Reeves Pink BottlebrushBotanical Name: Callistemon ‘Reeves Pink’Family: MyrtaceaeOrigin: Australia

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by Jason Kay – May 11, 2025